Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.
John 6:68-69
Peter's proclamation in John 6 rivals anything ever written in a Hallmark card. Because Jesus had just been deserted by many who felt His teaching was too hard and refused to accept it. But when he turned to the Twelve and challenged their willingness to stay, Peter doesn't hesitate to declare:
Lord, to whom shall we go?
Having just celebrated Valentine's Day—and with a good bit of love ❤️still on the brain—I believe that to be among the most honorable and loving statements Peter made to Jesus.
And ... it reminded me of a heated exchange with my husband during our early years of marriage which ended abruptly with his poignant statement:
“I have nowhere else to go.”
Without elaborating on the intimacies of our conversation, we’d crashed into the unavoidable subject of ‘his needs, her needs’.
Suffice it to say, the two distinct genders heat up at vastly different rates. Per God’s unique design, a man is a microwave, and a woman is a crockpot.
But the core of our conflict wasn't even about that. It revolved around one essential truth. My husband's “I have nowhere else to go” plea communicated a deeply held belief. A sacrificial, God-honoring perspective not unlike the answer Peter gave Jesus.
“Lord, to whom shall we go?”
Because truth is, my husband does have plenty of people to whom he could go to find satisfaction and who could meet his needs.
So do I.
There are options. Endless ones—whether in marriage or at work, in any circumstance or relationship.
There are other publishers, readers, organizations … other scented candle shops … available to me.
But when alternatives woo and wink and wave me over, I am hemmed in by my conviction … To Whom shall I go?
In the truest sense, living out of this belief gives us the world. Because Jesus is all we need, the lifter of our head, the giver of joy and peace.
Our soul’s ultimate satisfaction.
Peter was impulsive, but he wasn't stupid. He knew he and his traveling buddies had the option to leave Jesus and follow another leader. They were free to return to their families and livelihoods. But in this moment, Peter proclaimed truth and exalted Jesus as the only way to experience what his heart needed.
The only way to fulfill his calling.
The only source of lasting satisfaction.
The word of eternal life, the holy one of God.
How about you? Is Jesus one good option or the only way?
In a world rife with alternatives, to whom or to what do you turn?
Thanks for reading!
If you found today's post inspirational and know others who would benefit, please share.
Until next time,
✏️ Exciting book news: Mid-spring I'll be releasing This I Promise You, the prequel to my Heart of Moreland Manor series. What if finding your heart's desire means trusting the one who broke it?
A summary of Adelyn and Bryan's story can be found on my website here. New subscribers to my website will have the opportunity to download an e-book copy.
✏️ Releasing 2022: You Are the Reason, Book #1 in Heart of Moreland Manor #Felkinsfiction #inspirational #romance Keep an eye on social media for news on its release, promo images, book quotes. Once I have purchase links, I'll post those to my website. If you're interested in joining the Felkins Fiction Launch Team, sign up here.
✏️If you'd like to receive inspirational posts and/or quarterly author newsletter with bookish giveaways, subscribe here. You'll have the opportunity to download the first 3 chapters of Call to Love, my debut inspirational romance, for FREE!
Last month, I was a guest on The Daily Writer #podcast hosted by author Kent Sanders and discussed writing a fiction series. If you're a writer or creative anywhere along the spectrum and want practical tips and wisdom, this is a great resource! Available on Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Google Play.